“Hasn’t been good enough” – Gareth Southgate issues damning message to Manchester City loanee after England squad omission

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Published on 2024-03-14 15:45:00

England manager Gareth Southgate has issued a warning to on-loan Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, as he has been left out of the England squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley Stadium. This omission raises doubts about Phillips’ chances of being selected for the European Championship this summer in Germany.

Phillips made the move from Manchester City to West Ham United in January in hopes of improving his chances for the tournament, but has struggled since joining the London Stadium. Despite being handed six appearances by manager David Moyes in both the Premier League and UEFA Europa League, Phillips has faced challenges, including being substituted off at half-time against Burnley and receiving a red card in a recent match against Nottingham Forest.

The Leeds-born midfielder was selected for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 despite only making a few appearances for Manchester City. His future beyond this season is uncertain, and his England career is also in jeopardy according to Southgate, who stated that Phillips’ form has not been good enough.

Southgate emphasized the importance of Phillips playing regularly for his club, stating that a good version of him is crucial for the England squad due to the lack of players with his profile. While Manchester City players like John Stones, Kyle Walker, and Phil Foden have been called up for the upcoming friendlies, Jack Grealish was not selected due to ongoing injury issues.

Grealish suffered a groin injury in a match against Luton Town and it is unclear when he will return to action. With uncertainty surrounding Phillips’ future and Grealish’s injury concerns, Southgate and the England squad face challenges as they prepare for upcoming matches.

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